What is a surgical technician?
Surgical technicians, who can also be known as scrubs or operating room technicians, function to aid surgical operations under the direction of registered nurses, surgeons, or other medical personnel. The responsibilities of a surgical tech vary significantly depending on the healthcare setting, and the needs of supervisors (surgeons, nurses, etc.). However, in general, surgical technicians can help prepare operating rooms, including setting up and cleaning instruments. Other pre-op responsibilities include washing and sterilizing incision sites on patients. During a surgical operation, techs pass instruments and sterilized supplies to both surgeons and surgical assistants. Some surgical techs may be required to manage any specimens obtained during the operation. Post-op responsibilities include helping wheel patients back to their hospital rooms, and cleaning the operating room for the next surgery.
What are the different types of degrees in this field?
It is extremely important to understand that there is no specific online surgical technologist degree. Online universities generally offer medical degree programs that can be used by students to obtain surgical technologist training, and then to obtain surgical tech certification upon graduating. Most health care facilities require a degree in order to enter into specialized surgical technologist programs designed to prepare persons for the unique challenges of that organization. Generally, medical degrees needed to take surgical tech certification exams take around two years to complete.
- Health Administration Degrees
- Health IT Degrees
- Health Science Degrees
- Health Studies Degrees
- Health Services Degrees
- Medical Billing Degrees
- Medical Assisting Degrees
- Radiology Degrees
What is the average salary of a surgical tech?
Naturally, in a tough economy, knowing how much one stands to make in a profession is essential. Surgical technicians have a variety of unique skills, and are an integral part of many successful operations. As such, surgical techs can often command a competitive salary. Depending on the size and location of the hospital, as well years of experience, a surgical tech can make anywhere from $39,000 annually to $54,000. Some surgical technologists will have hourly wages that can range from $7.00 to $13.00 hourly. Again, there is significant variation in salaries, so click here to learn more.
Surgical technicians can find work in a variety of health care settings. Private practices, non-profit medical organizations, hospitals, dental offices, and many others employ surgical technicians to assist physicians and nurses. Salaries vary based on where a surgical tech works.
What financial aid is available for surgical technology students?
Getting an education is an excellent way to increase earning potential and to have a better life. However, education is also a significant financial investment. Unfortunately, this can make it quite challenging for some students to afford schooling. Luckily, though, there are many scholarships and grants available to students, as well as a plethora of financial aid options. The first thing any hopeful student should do after admission to a university is fill out a FAFSA form. This will help the student learn if he or she is eligible for any government aid. After that, searching for surgical technologist scholarships is an excellent idea. There are many different scholarships one can apply for. Some of these scholarships include: the Delmar Cengage Earning Student Scholarship, the Foundation Student Scholarship, the Foundation for Surgical Technology New Educator Scholarship, and more.
